New facilities to increase Cheyenne recreation offerings
Published on January 24, 2024
Two new facilities will soon join the Cheyenne Community Recreation & Events portfolio after approval by City Council Monday night, Jan. 22, 2024.
BEAST Foundation
The City of Cheyenne will purchase the BEAST Foundation property on Sunflower Road, allowing the City’s Recreation Division to expand its sports offerings, particularly for youth.
City Council approved the $4.25 million purchase agreement with Sunflower Ridge LC3 from the City’s general fund. The BEAST Foundation owners are also donating $750,000 as part of the sale.
The BEAST Foundation is a 28,000 square-foot multi-purpose facility that has volleyball, basketball, and pickleball courts in addition to classroom and event space. The organization also provides academic and sports programs for youth and additional programs for adults.
The City’s recreation program currently uses LCSD #1 gyms to host programs. The BEAST facility will allow Community Recreation & Events to increase its current programs and manage its own space.
“This purchase will give the Recreation team the opportunity to expand current programs, offer new programs, serve the community by having the ability to program seven days a week, and host community events,” said Jason Sanchez, Community Recreation & Events director. “We’ve never owned our own gym space, so this is purchase provides opportunities we wouldn’t have otherwise.”
The property was originally used as a church, and the BEAST Foundation bought the facility in the late 2010s, adding a gym and lobby. The City expects to take control of the property following closing later this month.
Gymnastics Facility
City Council also approved a $5.4 million contract with Richardson Construction for the City’s new gymnastics facility.
The facility will be built next to the Ice & Events Center and is expected to be complete by April 2025.
The City’s gymnastics program will be the main use of the facility but uses may be expanded in the future to include space for cheer classes, tumbling, and a youth basketball court with portable hoops.
Gymnastics has been a growing program offered by Cheyenne Rec, with 378 participants in the program and an additional 316 on a wait list. The new facility will also be able to accommodate competitions.
“This will be a game changer for our gymnastics program,” Sanchez said. “There is a lot of interest for gymnastics in Cheyenne, and this facility will help meet that demand.”
Funding for the project comes from the Real Property Revolving Fund, the Ice & Events Center Fund, general fund reserves, and ARPA.
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To learn more about Cheyenne Recreation & Events, visit www.cheyennerec.org.